Clare N
As he marks 40 years in priesthood, Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese has been praised for championing holistic leadership throughout his ministry in the Diocese.
Speaking during celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of St. Lawrence Secondary School in Kahangi, Hakibaale Sub-County, Kabarole District, where Bishop Muhiirwa celebrated his 40th anniversary, former Attorney General William Byaruhanga who was the day’s chief guest commended Bishop Muhiirwa for his dedication to both the spiritual transformation and socio-economic development of the community.
Mr. Byaruhanga, a strong supporter of St. Lawrence Secondary School, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for donating diocesan land on which the school was built, as well as for his willingness to support other developmental initiatives whenever approached.
Kabarole District Chairperson, Richard Rwabuhinga congratulated Bishop Muhiirwa on his 40 years of service in the vineyard describing his leadership as holistic and instrumental in the growth and development of the district and the wider region. He recalled the Bishop’s consistent generosity in donating diocesan land for the construction of hospitals and schools, and his embrace of government programs, including the recent promotion of climate-smart agriculture through coffee farming.
St. Lawrence Secondary School Headteacher Rose Kemigisa expressed deep appreciation to Bishop Muhiirwa for choosing to celebrate his 40th anniversary with the school, which was named after her late father, Lawrence. She credited the school’s growth—from just four students in 2014 to the current 282 students from Senior One to Senior Four—to the strong support of the board, led by Fr. Agutamba, in collaboration with the Fort Portal Diocesan Education Secretariat.
In his remarks, Bishop Muhiirwa thanked God for sustaining him in his priestly responsibilities since his ordination in 1985. Ordained on August 11, 1985 by Bishop Serapio Bwemi Magambo, he first served for five years as chaplain at St. Leo’s College Kyegobe, before pursuing a doctorate in Spirituality in the United States. Upon his return, he served as parish priest at Bukwali and Virika parishes before being appointed Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese in 2003.
He requested the faithful to continue praying for him, that he may remain steadfast in advancing the work of God.